Could this help?

[Fuzz1028]

Could sending a letter like this to the hiring officer, or chief help if you have any skeletons?

Chief XXX,

I wanted to thank you in advance for any consideration for the patrol officer postion. Unfortunately I have some things in my background that I feel it necessary to inform you about prior to any further steps in the application process.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. I understand that these were terrible decisions on my part, and I fully accept responsibility for them. Of course I regret these bad decisions and have learned from them. I am unsure of your departments policy on XXXXXXX but like I said I wanted to be completely up front with you before possibly wasting anyones time. Thank you again for any consideration.

[bdunndchi]

I personally would not do that if I were you. You will have your chance during the interview/poly tests to tell them about your past, and why you did what you did. Almost everyone has something bad in their past. It's not necessarily going to DQ you. You're unneccessarily telling them something bad about yourself before you get a chance to make a good impression. You don't need to worry about wasting anyone's time.

[Meant2BBlu]

I have to agree with the previous reply. You're jumping the gun. Let the agency do their Background, and trust me when I say you will have your chance to prove your sincerity.

[Fuzz1028]

Actually sent one of these out earlier today to a chief that was just taking resume's directly. He sent back an e-mail saying he appreciated my direct attitude, and that I was still being considered for the job. So I guess in this case it helped.

I totally understand where you guys are coming from, I wouldn't send this out with an f-3 or anything like that. But in this case it was just sending in a resume, which obviously wouldn't have my skeletons on it!

Thanks for the responses

[PhilipCal]

A letter of the type you describe, might be of some value if you're appying to a small agency where the Chief pretty much does the hiring. Still, much is going to depend on your background. I certainly don't expect you to discuss any such issues here with us. They will be very much a part of any hiring decision a prospective employer makes concerning you. Be honest on the application, and list any issues/problems as completely as possible. Don't make any excuses for them. Keep this thought in mind. With honesty, and depending on the nature of the past problem, you might have a shot as a Police Officer. Any failure to disclose is an almost automatic DQ. Regarding the letter you proposed, I don't personally recommend it, but it's your call.